DTM Mercedes is waiting for a decision on Wehrlein

Mercedes is the only manufacturer which didn’t announce its drivers line-up for next season, mainly because they still don’t know if they can count on the services of reigning champion Pascal Wehrlein.

Hard decision about Wehrlein’s future

The talented German surprised many in 2015 by winning a DTM title, but his future in the series is in doubt. Wehrlein has a contract with Mercedes, but his ambition is to test himself in Formula 1. In 2016 he definitely won’t get a chance with “Silver arrows” as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are untouchable.

Mercedes Formula 1 team Executve Director Toto Wolff said earlier that there is a possibility for Wehrlein to stay for another season in DTM, but also added that he could be sent to Manor F1 Team for a year, as he can get racing experience in Formula 1 there.

Kevin Magnussen

Magnussen and Ocon both impressed

Anyway, it looks like Mercedes has a replacement if they lose Wehrlein for 2016. Former Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen impressed during tests in Decemeber. The driver from Denmark is also considering other offers, but the deal with Mercedes looks like one of the best opportunities for him if he can’t fill one of the remaining empty seats in Formula 1.

Ulrich Fritz, Mercedes DTM boss, hinted that French teenager and reigning GP3 Series champion Esteban Ocon can also get a chance as he has a status of reserve driver in Mercedes. Ocon already has DTM experience as he replaced Daniel Juncadella during practices at Hockenheim this year.